Message from CEO Herman Marks

STAY CONNECTED - A message from Herman Marks, Vroon CEO

During these difficult times, in which restrictions are imposed on physically being together, we at Vroon work together and find the best solutions to maintain safe operations. We are proud of the dedication shown by all our colleagues, both in the office and on board, and not forgetting the families at home, supporting their loved ones. All their hard work and positivity enables us to continue our business in these unique circumstances.

Read here a message from our CEO Herman Marks that is addressed to all vessels and colleagues.

Breda, 25 March 2020

Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends and Families,

I want you to know that we are extremely proud and grateful that you are keeping our vessels safe and operational in these dire times. In this way, we can continue transporting goods around the world and delivering services to our clients. While your work has often been taken for granted, more and more people are realising that seafarers and their ships form an essential part of the global supply chain.

Every day, the Corona (Covid-19) virus imposes new challenges on all of us at Vroon, but also on colleagues and families at home. We have seen the airline industry virtually cease operations worldwide. Restrictions in many ports and countries are making it difficult or even impossible to disembark or embark colleagues. Consequently, we were forced to suspend crew changes from 16 March, for an initial period of two weeks. I regret to inform you that we now have to extend this period for a further two weeks, until 15 April 2020. For further information, I kindly ask you to contact your Crewing Officers/Departments directly, as arrangements and possibilities may change as we go forward, also depending on local situations.

In a totally unpredictable way, our last Vroon24 theme now applies more than ever: Together Everybody Achieves More (TEAM) RESILIENCE!

I realise that this situation has a great impact on your plans - and the plans of the families at home. I would like to advise you that we have increased the Wi-Fi data allowance on board so you can stay connected with your families ashore. I would also like all families and loved ones to know that we are doing our utmost possible to take care of the well-being and health of your relatives on board. This is one of our core values: TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER.

In most of our offices, we have adopted a Team-A and Team-B set-up, with many office colleagues working from home. Our ICT teams are ensuring that all those working from home remain well connected to your ships. Although our experienced professionals in the Technical and Operations Departments are unable to travel in the coming period, they will continue to support you from the office to ensure trouble-free shipboard operations.

During these difficult times, in which restrictions are imposed on physically being together, we at Vroon continue to look after each other, work together and find the best solutions to maintain safe operations. I am extremely proud and grateful for the willingness and professionalism of all staff in adapting to ever-changing circumstances. I am thankful for the understanding of your families at home during the unprecedented situations we are all facing.

A big THANK YOU for going the extra mile and please remember, ‘I want you to return home safely’.